The Beneteau First 405 1985 vs Beneteau Oceanis 48 2011 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Oceanis 48 2011 measures 47,1 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 405 1985 at 40,1 feet (1985). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 48 2011 tips the scales at 27 765 lbs - 9 246 lbs less than the Beneteau First 405 1985 at 18 519 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Beneteau Oceanis 48 2011 has a 25-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 405 1985's 50-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Oceanis 48 2011 carries 53 gallons versus 34 gallons in the Beneteau First 405 1985. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Oceanis 48 2011 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Beneteau First 405 1985 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis 48 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis 48 2011 displaces 27 765 lbs - a 9 246-lb difference over the Beneteau First 405 1985 at 18 519 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Both boats draw a similar depth - 7,1 ft and 7,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau First 405 1985 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau First 405 1985 uses a 1 wheel versus a 2 wheels on the Beneteau Oceanis 48 2011. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Oceanis 48 2011 carries a 75-hp engine against 50 hp on the Beneteau First 405 1985. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Hull speed is rated at 9,0 knots for the Beneteau Oceanis 48 2011 and 8,0 knots for the Beneteau First 405 1985.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis 48 2011 is the offshore and bluewater choice - at 27 765 lbs displacement and 47 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First 405 1985 at 18 519 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option - easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.